20 Feminists To Look Up To
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

20 Feminists To Look Up To

"A feminist is anyone who recognizes the equality and full humanity of women and men." - Gloria Steinem

175
20 Feminists To Look Up To
The Politic

In the wake of the election and subsequent inauguration of Donald Trump, I've found that looking to people with louder voices and wider reaches has made me feel at least marginally better. While there is definitely an abundance of feminist icons to look up to, I narrowed it down a bit in order to provide a list of 20 feminists to look up to in the difficult days ahead.

1. Laverne Cox - Actress / Activist

"I am a person of color, working-class, born to a single mother, but I stand before you tonight an artist, an actress and a sister and a daughter, and I believe that it is important to name the multiple parts of my identity because I am not just one thing, and neither are you."

2. Emma Watson - Actress / Activist

"I have realized that fighting for women's rights has too often become synonymous with man-hating. If there is one thing I know for certain, it is that this has to stop."

3. Amandla Stenberg - Actress / Activist

"Black female voices need to be uplifted within the mainstream feminist movement, especially at this time. It's crucial."

4. Matt McGorry - Actor

"I'm embarrassed to admit that I only recently discovered the ACTUAL definition of 'feminism.' The fact that the term is sometimes clouded with anything other than pure support and positivity in our society is very tragic. I believe in gender equality. Being a feminist is for both women AND men. I AM A FEMINIST."

5. Gina Rodriguez - Actress

"I'm a brown girl, so I have to cross all the lines."

6. Gloria Steinem - Journalist / Activist

"Women have two choices: either she's a feminist or a masochist."

7. Beyonce - Singer

"I am a woman and when I think, I must speak."

8. Ezra Miller - Actor / Activist

"I feel that all revolutionary causes should start with addressing misogyny."

9. Chrissy Teigen - Model

"People have sorely messed up the definition of feminism. It isn't saying this is wrong and this is right. It's having the power to do whatever the fuck you want. It's about having your own beliefs and staying true to them."

10. Lin-Manuel Miranda - Playwright / Composer

"If Angelica Schuyler lived in a different time, she'd be one of our founders."

11. Elizabeth Warren - Senator

"I cannot believe we're still standing here debating whether a woman should get fired for asking what the guy down the hall makes."

12. Joseph Gordon-Levitt - Actor / Filmmaker

"My mom brought me up to be a feminist. She would always point out to my brother and me that our culture does often portray women like objects ... And if you don't stop and think about it, it just sort of seeps into your brain and that becomes the way you perceive reality."

13. Ruth Bader Ginsburg - SCOTUS Justice

"Women will have achieved true equality when men share with them the responsibility of bringing up the next generation."

14. Ava DuVernay - Director / Screenwriter

"The great thing about it is that it shows that women are not monolithic. It shows the specific ideas, opinions, and concerns of women of color within the feminist movement, and that women who are not of color need to really listen to that and integrate that into their vocabulary, into their language, and in the posture."

15. Justin Trudeau - Prime Minister of Canada

"As a father, I want to know my daughter will have the same opportunities as my sons."

16. Mara Wilson - Actress / Author

“Feminism has been slandered as a way to give ugly women greater prominence in society. And, in a way, it is. Feminism is for ugly women. For beautiful women. For all women. Women of all colors, ages, and shapes. It's about giving people an equal chance regardless of their gender. Judging them for what they do and not for what they are.”

17. Amy Poehler - Actress / Comedian

"It takes years as a woman to unlearn what you have been taught to be sorry for. It takes years to find your voice and your real estate."

18. Barack Obama - 44th POTUS

"It is absolutely men's responsibility to fight sexism too. And as spouses and partners and boyfriends, we need to work hard and be deliberate about creating truly equal relationships."

19. Tina Fey - Actress / Comedian

"You all have got to stop calling each other sluts and whores. It just makes it okay for guys to call you sluts and whores."

20. Alexis Moncada - Activist

"I think it’s so important as a young girl to understand that growing up, you’re going to face sexism and problems solely based on your gender. And even if you don’t, even if you live a life without sexism, so many girls in the world face it every moment. You may not need the movement for yourself, but maybe your mother, your best friend, your future daughter, a stranger across the world [do]. It’s important that everyone feels as secure as you do!"

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

90351
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

62336
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments